Neil Diamond reveals story behind 'Sweet Caroline'

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"Sweet Caroline" has been a huge hit for Neil Diamond.

Story highlights

Diamond told the story of "Sweet Caroline"

Royalties from the song were donated to Boston bombing victims

The singer has his first album in six years

It was a great story.

For years the lore has been that Neil Diamond's 1969 song "Sweet Caroline" was an ode to the then young daughter of late president John F. Kennedy and his wife, Jacqueline.

On Monday, the singer revealed the truth behind the hit.

"I was writing a song in Memphis, Tennessee, for a session. I needed a three-syllable name," Diamond said during an appearance on "Today." "The song was about my wife at the time — her name was Marsha — and I couldn't get a 'Marsha' rhyme."